CESSNA 172S near Seville, FL — 2015-10-10

Probable cause

The airplane’s encounter with a downdraft, and the pilot's decision to maneuver the airplane at a low altitude and airspeed, which provided insufficient time and altitude to recover before impacting terrain.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that, during a local flight, he encountered a downdraft while maneuvering the airplane between 300 and 600 ft above ground level at an airspeed about 75 knots. He stated that he attempted to recover, but the airplane continued to sink and subsequently impacted trees and terrain. Postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal evidence of any mechanical any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The conditions reported by the closest weather observation facility, located 23 nautical miles away, included scattered towering cumulus clouds and 6-knot winds. Additionally, towering cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds were noted near the airport. Atmospheric modeling data noted the potential for strong low-level thermal activity near the accident site about the time of the accident. Given the weather conditions that prevailed about the time of the accident, it is likely that the airplane encountered a downdraft; given the airplane's altitude and airspeed at the time of the encounter, the pilot had insufficient time to regain control of the airplane before it impacted the ground.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have avoided low altitude maneuvers during object drops.

NTSB coding

• Windshear or thunderstorm · Maneuvering-low-alt flying
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• Photos
• 9 docket documents

Docket documents9

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15form
• Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
• Witness Statementinterview
• Maintenance Recordsother
• Memorandum of Record - Pilot Flight Experienceother
• Photos (Courtesy of Local Authorities)photos
• Personal Electronic Devices Factual Reportreport
• Weather Reports and Recordsreport